NESTA - Improving our shared understanding of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The Re-Balance Approach
Recognise.
NESTA wanted to compliment their newly implemented strategy and was making major investments in improving its internal and external approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
One focus of this strategy was around how ‘lived experience’ manifests in Nesta’s work towards their mission goals. This project aimed to serve as a creative launchpad that can help give voice to the narratives, stories, and lived experiences of a diverse Nesta staff, including those with protected characteristics.
Their goal for this creative project was to will help highlight the value of lived experience within Nesta, and within Nesta’s work, by encouraging greater visibility and awareness on the myriad of narratives, stories, and experiences that encompass what lived experience means for Nesta.
Review.
Through storytelling and creative journeying, people were encouraged to think about how they can be more proactive in building self awareness skills.
Provided a unique way of increasing awareness about mental health and intersectionality.
A richer self awareness helping to connect and celebrate identity, belonging and culture in ourselves and in others.
Helps address the emotional support required by individuals, communities and workplaces during transition and change.
Themes that emerged from sessions were explored deeper in creative writing activities.
Respond.
This project provided an inclusive space to explore the nature of identity and belonging and how that impacts on mental health and wellbeing.
Identified creative tools to resource ourselves during challenging times such as poetry, photography, written word and journalling.
Developed increased understanding and empathy of others through listening to their stories and sharing our own.
Explored resources that forge better connections to a confident sense of self and ways to manage negative thoughts and feelings.
Create a personal space of tranquillity based upon what had been explored in the project by combining expertise in psychological safety and creative expression.
What People Are Saying.
Before.
After.
These words and objects formed ‘nests’, a place to store, revisit and explore the rich diversity that NESTA has amongst it’s workforce. The nests have opened a space of collective strength and vulnerability, a place of safety, a place of solitude and a place for NESTA colleagues to express themselves, share their experience and learn from each other.
Interested in improving diversity, equity and inclusion in your organisation?
We know that each group is unique. Unique in it’s experiences, diversity and needs; some of which comes to the surface during delivery. This is why we take a very intimate approach to our work.
Our tried and tested step by step approach has proven to give us the best results:
Initial contact
Needs assessments with key contact and participants
Delivery of programme begins
Adaptation to content throughout, based on emerging themes
Iterative feedback between Re-Balance, Partners, participants and lead programme contact
Handover of end report, resources and any next steps
We would love to hear from you if you would like to discuss how we might be able to create something bespoke to help your staff, volunteers or community
Project Team
Jessica Agudelo
Maria Pattinson